Should i replace O2 sensors?

[alphabets13]

my 96 xlt has close to 130,000 and it runs fine but i only get about 12 mpg and was wondering if it about time to replace the sensors. i know they are kinda expensive, but if it helps my gas/performance it will be worth it. thanks.

 

[spindlecone]

the sensors have probebly exceeded there lifespan, your call

 

[alphabets13]

the sensors have probebly exceeded there lifespan, your call

i know there is 4, and i believe my haynes explains how to replace them, but do you know off hand if this is a fairly easy job?

 

[spindlecone]

The sensors degrade over time, without throwing any codes, can they be tested,?dunno, have replaced some on the wifes BMW, one on the kids eclipse, was not plug and play as wires needed to be cut and spliced, was pretty easy overall

 

[Afboy143]

on my old explorer, I changed the O2 sensors after 80k miles and it ran A LOT better and the gas milege went way up but each sensor is 60-80$. They are supposed to be replaced every 60k miles if I am not mistaken. I also read getting that fuel injector cleaner done at a body shop helps clean the O2 sensors out through the exhaust. I would say do it, 130,000 is a lot

 

[aldive]

I am at 115k on my '99 and 3 of my 4 O2 sensors are original.

 

[alphabets13]

i can probably get a deal on bosch o2 sensors through my father. probably save me some dough rather than going to ford. i'll get them scanned first, but it looks like they should need to be replaced by now from what i am reading.

 

[spindlecone]

I am at 115k on my '99 and 3 of my 4 O2 sensors are original.

They may be orig Al, but are they functioning at 100%, they do degrade from what I have read and, the feeling seems to be, replacement at 100K miles

 

[CDW6212R]

When you get in there to do it, be patient. The hardest part of changing them is loosening them. In your northern climate, they are going to be very tight. Stripping the shoulders off is a possibility.

Have them sprayed with a penetrating oil, and let them set for a long time, even a day would be wise. Use a very well fitting wrench, get good leverage, and carefully loosen them. Good luck,

 

[spindlecone]

Or invest in a sensor socket, about 15 bucks.
This according to www.autotap.com
02 sensors degrade over time and become sluggish, is recomended to change un-heated sensors (two wire) at 60K miles, heated sensors (4 wire) at 100K

 

[alphabets13]

how many sensors are there? i thought it was 4, is that correct?

 

[aldive]

how many sensors are there? i thought it was 4, is that correct?

My '99 has 4.